& THE OATES COLLECTIONS The Perfect

Welcome to Gilbert White & The Oates Collections.

The Reverend Gilbert White the father of ecology, observed and recorded what he saw around him in his world-famous book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne. Gilbert White loved his garden, and the nature around him.

His book remains a fascinating commentary on the natural world and his house and grounds are yet to reveal all their secrets...

What better place to celebrate your special day... Image by simonjohn.co.uk Image by J&M Photography

The Garden & Parkland

Enjoy the restored 18th century gardens and acres of ancient parkland, providing an idyllic backdrop for creating treasured memories with views across the picturesque meadow to the magnificent beech clad hanger.

Our 16th century Hampshire Barn is the perfect location to enjoy this setting.

Alternatively, you may prefer to set up a marquee amidst our ancient meadow or simply indulge in a champagne reception on the lawn of Gilbert White’s house. 16th Century Barn

Our 16th century Hampshire Barn features a magnificent oak beamed roof and period features. Double doors open to reveal our magnificent parkland.

During the week, our barn is the Gilbert White Field Studies Centre, at the weekend and during school holidays the barn transforms into a fully licensed wedding venue. All weddings that take place help to support the work of our education department.

The barn is licensed for up to 100 people for the ceremony followed by the wedding and 150 for the evening reception.

We have carefully selected a range of trusted caterers to different styles and budgets; please see our website.

The House

Inside the former home of Hampshire’s most celebrated naturalist, Gilbert White’s Great Parlour is available for more intimate ceremonies up to 35 people.

After your ceremony guests can use our main lawn for a champagne reception.

Why not invite a harpist or string quartet to serenade your guests... Marquees & Tepees

The Great Mead is a unique location for a marquee or tepee. Between June and August our traditional pole and canvas marquee is on site.

Whether your choice is marquee or tepee, you will be surrounded by our ancient meadow with magnificent views not only of Selborne Hanger but also of Gilbert White’s house and its gardens.

A non-licensed ceremony or blessing can be performed within the grounds. Hand fasting in the copse or jumping over the broom under the oak tree are just a couple of the ceremonial tributes that could be performed by a celebrant.

Packages 16th Century Hampshire Barn Our 16th Century Hampshire Barn package includes the full use of the Barn and its facilities. Your day is important to us so we give you the time you need to set up your wedding your way. As well as exclusive use of the barn for the day your package also includes time the day before to allow you to arrange the barn and the day after to clear up.

A dedicated member of staff will be on hand so that you can relax knowing that everything will flow smoothly. Tables and chairs are provided for your wedding breakfast. Garden furniture, fire pit, lights and garden games are all at your disposal. You have full use of the garden and grounds for photography and additional car parking is available in the Ewell Field. £6,300 inc VAT

The Great Mead The Great Mead package includes our marquee (June – August) or the space to erect your own marquee the rest of the year. This package also includes electricity to the marquee, parking and full use of the garden and grounds for photography. £1,200 inc VAT Image by Natasha Buckney & by Louise Rose Couture Packages The House Enjoy a small intimate ceremony for up to 35 people in our Great Parlour followed by a glass of bubbles and photos in the grounds.

£1,500 inc VAT Garden Photography The perfect opportunity to get some stunning photographs for your day. This package gives you the use of the garden for your photographs (for up to 40 guests). £300 inc VAT

N.B. Please note all our prices include VAT. Wine packages are available on request Image by Graham Nixon Extras Twin Marquees - £840 inc VAT

The perfect shelter for your guests during your drinks reception or any changeovers. This package includes two stylish 4.5m x4.5m pagoda marquees with overhead heaters, flooring and lighting. You can have sides on or off depending on the weather. The sides have windows so your guests can still look out onto the meadow. We set this up and take it down for you.

GW Horse Box Bar - £350 inc VAT

Includes two members of staff for the evening. No minimum spend. Tab or cash bar. An internal bar can also be arranged for the same fee. Image by Jacqui Marie Photography Ltd Suppliers

Astares - Men’s Astares is an award winning, independently owned business. With made-to-measure tailoring and the glorious range of Herbie Frogg you’ll be hard pushed to leave us empty handed! www.astares.co.uk | [email protected] | 02393 072095 Bartlett and Butcher - Men’s Formal Wear Hannah and Sean make customer service and attention to detail a priority, from providing complimentary consultations discussing your ideas and offering advice, to onsite tailoring. www.bartlett-butcher.co.uk | [email protected] | 01420 82033 BC DigiPhot Ltd - Photography Brian & Wendy have an infectious quality, becoming part of your journey and celebrations. You will not regret asking them to capture the images & memories of your day. www.bcdigiphot.co.uk | [email protected] | 07772 324733 Hana Laurie - Alternative Hana has been described as natural, tireless, awesome and sarcastic. She is not afraid to climb trees, back into bushes or lie down in mud to get the perfect photograph. www.hanalaurie.co.uk | [email protected] | 07920 041920 Vintage Your Day - Prop Hire Vintage your day has unique wedding props big or small for all your ideas to shine through on your day.They are Hampshire based. [email protected] | 07872 321979 Candy Tours - Transport Candy Tours provide 16 seat minibuses with driver for your day. We transport guests between wedding venue, reception, hotels and home so you can relax on your special day. www.candytours.co.uk | [email protected] | 01252 265 263 Suppliers

Real Green Dress - Wedding This ethical and eco-friendly local bridal studio has two collections: The ‘Pure’ collection of restored vintage gowns and accessories and ‘Evolution’, unique original gowns crafted from fine vintage fabrics. www.realgreendress.com | [email protected] | 01276 513368 Tartufi Cakes - Wedding Cakes Gemma is passionate about providing every couple with a designer and truly personal service, from first cake tasting to the setup of the cake on the wedding day. www.tartuficakes.co.uk | [email protected] Tobiah - Singer/Songwriter Known for her ‘Beautiful voice’ (BBC Sussex), poignant lyrics and touching hearts with stories of love, TOBIAH will write and perform a special song for your wedding. www.tobiahuk.com | [email protected] | 0790 6858548 Vanilla Catering - Catering Vanilla Catering provide exceptional, innovative food supported by superb, friendly and professional service. Our dishes are made from the finest, freshest ingredients, and seasonally and locally sourced wherever possible. www.vanillacatering.co.uk | [email protected] | 01489 589275 Clementine Catering - Catering With almost 20 years of experience in fine dining and the restaurant trade, owner and head chef Brian Manns takes great pride in creating the perfect menu for any event. www.clementinecateringhampshire.co.uk | [email protected] | 01489 877101 Maia’s Flowers - Florist Beautiful floral arrangments for your wedding day. Maia’s Flower is a family run florist based in the village of Selborne. Maia trained at Covent Garden Academy of Flowers in London. www.maiasflowers.co.uk | [email protected] | 01420 511770 Wise Catering - Catering At Wise, we provide a complete catering service from enquiry to kitchen to table. Whether you are looking for a luxurious formal dinner or more informal family style meal we have a fantastic portfolio of dishes, as well as a bespoke menu options to make sure that you have the perfect menu to suit your event and ensure it’s one to remember.

As a Hampshire based company we pride ourselves on the using the best local produce on offer. Whether that be locally reared meat or the very best fruit and vegetables grown in Hampshire rest assured it is on our menus. www.wisecatering.co.uk | [email protected] | 023 8043 9280 Quality Marquees - Marquee and Furniture Hire An award winning friendly family company with over 20 years experiance. They pride themselves on providing stylish, beautiful, robust, marquees and associated equipment. www.qualitymarqueehire.co.uk | [email protected] | 023 8081 1120

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1159058 Thank You

Gilbert White & The Oates Collections would like to thank:

The photographers: Simon John (front cover), J&M Photography, Graham Nixon, Jacqui Marie, Natasha Buckney, White Studio Photography and Ultra Violet. and The couples who allowed us to use their photographs.

& THE OATES COLLECTIONS

Selborne . Hampshire . GU34 3JH 01420 511275 [email protected] www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk